Search

Introduction: Maternal corticosteroid administration for anticipated preterm birth is common; however, the corticosteroid effect on fetal ultrasound and cardiotocograph (CTG) remains contested. This study aimed to evaluate short-term ultrasound and CTG impact of (a) dexamethasone versus betamethasone (b) pooled corticosteroid effect. Methods: Substudy of blinded randomized trial of dexamethasone versus betamethasone (given Results: Of 47 fetuses (39 singleton; 4 dichorionic, diamniotic twins; and 4 monochorionic, diamniotic twins) in the February 2012–2013 period, 24 received dexamethasone and 23 betamethasone at average gestation 29.8 ± 2.9 weeks. Thirteen pregnancies (30%) had pre-corticosteroid fetal concerns (estimated weight Discussion/Conclusion: No substantive post-corticosteroid effects were seen for most ultrasound/CTG measures in fetuses with heightened preterm birth risk but predominantly normal pre-corticosteroid measures. Clinically, this suggests avoiding overreliance on individual measures for delivery decisions post-corticosteroid; equally, multiple/marked ultrasound changes suggest true pathology and not corticosteroid effect.

Objectives To evaluate the utility of ultrasound markers in the management of pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 23 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks' gestation, and to assess the ability of ultrasound markers to predict adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with PPROM between 23 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks' gestation and latency period (PPROM to delivery) > 48 h, who delivered before 34 weeks' gestation at a tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2017. All patients underwent a non-stress test daily and an ultrasound scan twice a week for assessment of amniotic fluid volume, biophysical profile (BPP) and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI). In patients with suspected fetal growth restriction, fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA)-PI was also assessed and the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) calculated. The last ultrasound examination performed prior to delivery was analyzed. We compared the characteristics and outcomes between women who were delivered owing to clinical suspicion of chorioamnionitis and those who were not delivered for this indication. The primary objective was to evaluate the utility of ultrasound in the management of patients with PPROM. The secondary objective was to assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasound markers (BPP score 95th percentile, MCA-PI Results A total of 504 women were included in the study, comprising 120 with suspected chorioamnionitis and 384 without. Women with suspected chorioamnionitis, compared with those without, were less likely to be nulliparous (34.2% vs 45.3%; P = 0.03) and more likely to have fever (50.8% vs 2.6%; P 95th percentile was similar between the two groups. There was a higher incidence of composite adverse neonatal outcome in the group with suspected chorioamnionitis than in the group without (78.3% vs 64.3%, respectively; P = 0.004). However, on logistic regression analysis, none of the ultrasound markers evaluated was found to be associated with chorioamnionitis or composite adverse neonatal outcome, and they all had a poor diagnostic performance for the prediction of chorioamnionitis and composite adverse neonatal outcome. Conclusions Commonly used ultrasound markers in pregnancies complicated by PPROM were similar between women delivered for suspected chorioamnionitis and those delivered for other indications, and performed poorly in predicting composite adverse neonatal outcome. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on biophysical profile (BPP) parameters. In addition, it was performed in 2017, using several databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane library, ISI Web of science, Proquest, and Google scholar, along with Magiran SID and IranMedex. Eligible studies were selected by two reviewers and the outcomes of interest were extracted as well. Meta-analysis was done using the random effect model. Further, I-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis and the presence of publication bias was also checked. At last, 12 studies were included and a random and fixed effect model was used for analysis. The pooled event rates were 4.5% (95% CI = 0.01-64.3, P=0.1), 76.8% (% 95 CI=33.5-95.6, P=0.21), 71.8% (% 95 CI=38.8-91.1, P=0.18), 70.9% (%95 CI=38.4-90.5, P=0.20), and 92.3% (%95 CI=76.0-97.8, P

Objective To investigate the association between large-for-gestational-age (LGA) pregnancy and stillbirth to determine if the LGA fetus may benefit from antenatal testing with non-stress test or biophysical profile. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that were ongoing at 24 weeks' gestation and that had undergone routine second-trimester anatomy ultrasound examination, during the period 1990 to 2009. Pregnancies complicated by fetal anomaly or aneuploidy, those with missing birth weight information and those that were small-for-gestational age were excluded. Appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) and LGA were defined as birth weight between the 10th and 90th percentiles and > 90th percentile, respectively, according to the Alexander growth standard. The incidence of stillbirth was calculated as the number of stillbirths per 10 000 ongoing pregnancies. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% CI for stillbirth in LGA compared with AGA pregnancies were estimated using logistic regression analysis, controlling for pre-existing and gestational diabetes. The incidence and aOR for stillbirth were estimated at 4-week intervals from ≥ 24 to ≥ 40 weeks' gestation. Results Of 52 749 pregnancies ongoing at 24 weeks, 46 205 (87.6%) were AGA and 6544 (12.4%) were LGA at delivery. The incidence of stillbirth in LGA pregnancies was significantly higher than that in AGA pregnancies from 36 weeks' gestation (26/10 000 vs 7/10 000; aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.68-5.70). When women with diabetes were excluded in stratified analysis, pregnancies complicated by LGA continued to be at increased risk for stillbirth ≥ 36 weeks (18/10 000 vs 7/10 000; OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.27-5.43). Conclusion Pregnancies complicated by LGA are at significantly increased risk for stillbirth at or beyond 36 weeks, independent of maternal diabetes status, and may benefit from antenatal testing. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

In literature there are many works about prediction of chronic hypoxia of fetus, based on the assessment of the mother-placenta-fetus system, such as ultrasound, doppler velocimetry, cardiotocography, placental hormones and proteins tests; separate immunological, biochemical, hemostasiological and functional markers were introduced. However, the prognostic value most of these methods is insufficient by the standards of evidence-based medicine; they do not have a complex pathogenetically based approach. In this regard, the search for new methods for timely prediction and preclinical detection of fetal hypoxia continues to be a priority for obstetrics and perinatology. Cardiointervalography can be a promising method to study the relationship of the mother-placenta-fetus system; it allows simultaneous registration and assessment of the functional systems of mother and fetus. The high probability of such interrelations is evidenced by previous studies. Study aim was to assess the adaptation disorders of the fetus and newborn, to determine perinatal outcomes with a burdened obstetric history. A total of 200 pregnant women with perinatal losses in history (main group) and 100 pregnant women without perinatal losses in history (control group) were examined. According to the results of fetal cardiointervalography in women with perinatal losses in history, the state of regulation of the fetal autonomic nervous system is characterized by a tendency to hypersympathicotonia, stress adaptation systems in the fetus in 66.0% of women. In 10.0% of women, hypertension of the regulatory systems of the fetus enters the stage of exhaustion and breakdown of adaptation, which is confirmed by the diagnosis of fetal distress. Assessing the condition of the fetus with an automatic analysis of the cardiotogram by the Dawes-Redman criteria showed an STV value of

To predict the prognosis of infants with congenital heart disease, accurate prenatal diagnosis of structural abnormality and heart failure are both necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cardiovascular profile (CVP) and biophysical profile (BP) scores are useful for predicting prognosis in infants with congenital heart defect (CHD).A retrospective review of singletons prenatally diagnosed with CHD at a tertiary pediatric cardiac center between 2011 and 2015 was undertaken.A total of 202 patients with CHD were analyzed. Perinatal and infant deaths occurred in 16 (7.9%) and 10 cases (5.0%), respectively. Infants with the last CVP score ≤ 5 had 18.7-fold higher perinatal mortality than those with a last CVP score 5 (P 0.01). Infants with a last BP score ≤ 6 had 18.7-fold higher perinatal mortality than those with a last BP score 6 (P 0.01). Infants with a CVP score decrease in utero had 4.5-fold higher infant mortality than those with an increase or no change (P 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that single-ventricle physiology, pre-term birth at37 weeks of gestation, last CVP score ≤ 5, and last BP score ≤ 6 were independent predictors of perinatal mortality. Single-ventricle physiology and a CVP score decrease were independent predictors of infant mortality.CVP and BP scores are useful for predicting perinatal prognosis in infants with CHD. A CVP score decrease in utero is associated with infant mortality, suggesting that serial CVP score assessment may be useful for management planning.

Objective To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes following management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) by two fetal assessment strategies. Methods In a retrospective cohort study performed at two hospitals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between July 2010 and June 2015, data were reviewed from 180 singleton pregnancies with PPROM at 230 -336 weeks of gestation that underwent expectant management. Outcomes were compared between continuous electronic fetal heart monitoring (EFM) with daily biophysical profile (BPP) ("continuous monitoring") and non-stress test (NST) three times per day ("periodic monitoring") using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. Results Overall, 119 (66.1%) pregnancies were assessed by continuous monitoring and 61 (33.9%) by periodic monitoring. There was no difference in frequency of intrauterine death between the continuous monitoring (1, 0.8%) and periodic monitoring (3, 4.9%) groups (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02-1.61). The continuous monitoring group was more likely to have an interventional (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.06-4.44) or cesarean (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.70-6.38) delivery. Conclusion Continuous EFM with daily BPP was associated with higher rates of intervention and cesarean delivery compared with periodic NST, but there was no difference in intrauterine or perinatal mortality.

Objectives To describe and compare ultrasound and Doppler findings in pregnant women who were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) with findings in those who were SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative, evaluated during the pandemic period. Methods In this retrospective case–control study, we analyzed data from 106 pregnant women who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 at the time of, or within 1 week of, an ultrasound scan between 1 May and 31 August 2020. Scans were either performed for routine fetal evaluation or indicated due to a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test. Forty‐nine women were symptomatic and 57 were asymptomatic. For comparison, we analyzed data from 103 pregnant women matched for maternal age, parity, body mass index and gestational age at the time of the ultrasound scan. These control women did not report symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at the time of the ultrasound scan or at the time of admission for delivery and had a negative SARS‐CoV‐2 test at admission for delivery. Fetal biometry, fetal anatomy, amniotic fluid volume and Doppler parameters, including umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility indices, cerebroplacental ratio and biophysical profile (BPP), were evaluated as indicated. Biometric and Doppler values were converted to Z‐scores for comparison. Our primary outcome, an adverse prenatal composite outcome (APCO) included any one or more of: small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetus, oligohydramnios, abnormal BPP, abnormal Doppler velocimetry and fetal death. Comorbidities, delivery information and neonatal outcome were compared between the two groups. Results Eighty‐seven (82.1%) women who were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 had a body mass index > 25 kg/m2. SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women had a higher prevalence of diabetes (26/106 (24.5%) vs 13/103 (12.6%); P = 0.03), but not of pre‐eclampsia (21/106 (19.8%) vs 11/103 (10.7%); P = 0.08), compared with controls. The prevalence of APCO was not significantly different between SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women (19/106 (17.9%)) and controls (9/103 (8.7%)) (P = 0.06). There were no differences between SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women and controls in the prevalence of SGA fetuses (12/106 (11.3%) vs 6/103 (5.8%); P = 0.17), fetuses with abnormal Doppler evaluation (8/106 (7.5%) vs 2/103 (1.9%); P = 0.08) and fetuses with abnormal BPP (4/106 (3.8%) vs 0/103 (0%); P = 0.14). There were two fetal deaths in women who were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 and these women had a higher rate of preterm delivery ≤ 35 weeks of gestation (22/106 (20.8%) vs 9/103 (8.7%); odds ratio, 2.73 (95% CI, 1.19–6.3); P = 0.01) compared with controls. Conclusions There were no significant differences in abnormal fetal ultrasound and Doppler findings observed between pregnant women who were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 and controls. However, preterm delivery ≤ 35 weeks was more frequent among SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Objective Our primary objective was to determine whether biophysical profiles (BPP) performed on the antepartum unit result in changes in clinical decision making. Study Design A retrospective cohort chart review was performed among women who had a BPP during hospital admission. BPP status was categorized as normal (8/8 points) and abnormal (6/8 or less points). The primary outcome, clinical decision making, was the need for prolonged external fetal monitoring (defined as > 2 hours) or decision to proceed with delivery. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, indicated preterm delivery, birth weight, 5-minute Apgar's score Results Among our cohort (n = 186), 85.5% (n = 159) had a normal BPP. Delivery management was altered in one case (0.54%) by the BPP findings, and there were no BPPs that resulted in need for prolonged monitoring. Compared with women with normal BPP, women with abnormal BPPs were more likely to deliver at Conclusion In-hospital BPPs alter clinical decision making in less than 1% of cases.

Objective: Having a rapid and low cost diagnostic approach in assessment of fetal wellbeing is an important goal for prenatal care process. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of rapid biophysical profile (rBPP) in comparison to biophysical profile (BPP). Materials and methods: In this study 142 pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes referred to Besat Hospital (Sanandaj, Iran) were evaluated in terms of fetal health. Age, gestational age and non-stress test (NST) data of patients were collected. The fetuses were evaluated using the standard BPP and selected rBPP methods. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. The data were analyzed in Stata 14 software, using appropriate statistical analyses. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of maternal age and gestational age of the studied subjects were 30.6 ± 6.3 and 35.6 ± 1.5 weeks, respectively. The frequency of normal cases were 126 (88.7%) in the BPP method and 121 (85.2%) in the rBPP method. The results showed that sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of rBPP in this study were 56.2%, 90.5%, 42.8% and 94.2%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 73.3%. Pearson Test showed a significant correlation between scores obtained through BPP and rBPP methods (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the high profile of the sensitivity and PPV of the RBPP method compared to BPP, rBPP method has a better capacity to discriminate non-distressed fetuses from distress-exposed fetuses. It can also be used as a quick and easy method in crowded centers with limited evaluation tests, where not much skill is needed.

Objective To report the utility of the ultrasonographic biophysical profile, which includes all the components of a biophysical profile minus the nonstress test, in women with maternal indications for antepartum surveillance. Methods We conducted a case series reviewing the records of all women at 32 weeks of gestation or greater with at least one indication for antenatal testing (per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) delivered by a single maternal-fetal medicine practice between 2006 and 2018. Indications included diabetes, hypertension, lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, sickle cell disease, renal disease, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, isoimmunization, inherited thrombophilia, and prior intrauterine fetal demise. Weekly ultrasonographic biophysical profiles were initiated at 32 weeks of gestation. We calculated the test-positive rate, the percentage of women delivered for an abnormal ultrasonography biophysical profile, and the intrauterine fetal demise rate (false-negative rate). Results Nine hundred eighty-five women underwent 3,981 ultrasonographic biophysical profiles (four per woman; range 1-11). Sixteen women had an abnormal ultrasonographic biophysical profile, for a test positive rate of 1.6% (95% CI 1.0-2.6%) per woman, or 0.4% (95% CI 0.3-0.7%) per ultrasonographic biophysical profile. Of the 16 women with abnormal ultrasonographic biophysical profiles, 13 were delivered with good outcomes and three women had normal follow-up testing and uncomplicated deliveries at a later date. There were three women with intrauterine fetal demise (false-negative rate of 0.3%, 95% CI 0.1-0.9%). One woman with intrauterine fetal demise had a factor V Leiden mutation, fetal ventriculomegaly, and fetal growth restriction. The second woman with intrauterine fetal demise had advanced maternal age, a factor V Leiden mutation, and fetal growth restriction. The third woman with intrauterine fetal demise had class B diabetes. All three intrauterine fetal demises were diagnosed antepartum with an interval from normal ultrasonographic biophysical profile to intrauterine fetal demise of 7, 7, and 6 days, respectively. Conclusion The use of ultrasonographic biophysical profile in a high-risk cohort is associated with a very low test-positive rate and a very low incidence of intrauterine fetal demise. In women with preexisting medical conditions that place them at higher risk for intrauterine fetal demise, ultrasonographic biophysical profile can be used for antenatal testing.

s: Objective: Scorpion stings remain a serious health problem in many parts of the world. There is very limited information regarding the effects of therapies delivered for scorpion stings in pregnant women on the mother and fetus. They can cause acute conditions such as fetal loss, preterm delivery, or placental abnormalities and can also result in other conditions that may have an effect on the baby in the long term. Materials and methods: In this study the medical records of 24 pregnant women who were admitted to the emergency room at Suruç State Hospital due to scorpion stings between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gestational week, monthly distribution of the cases, type of delivery, status of the fetus, affected body sites, and local and systemic findings were evaluated. The clinical severity of each case was assessed using Abroug's classification. A fetal biophysical profile test was administered in pregnant women above 24 weeks of gestation. The newborns underwent follow-up for mental and motor functions in the pediatric department at three-month intervals for 12 months. Results: 24 patients, with a mean age of 26.1 ± 2.4 years, were included in the study. The most common region stung by scorpions was Lower extremity (58.3%). The most common symptom occurred in cases was immediate localized pain (58%). In terms of gestational age, 41.6% of scorpion sting were within the third trimester. Biophysical profile scores were 8 and above. Only symptomatic treatment, without use of anti-venom, was done to all the patients in this study. And neither death nor major sequel happened. Conclusion: Scorpion stings during pregnancy may not have significant adverse effects on the fetus and the mother. Decisions regarding the use of anti-venom in pregnant women should be considered carefully when only limited safety information, especially in those patients with only local symptoms. Keywords: Emergency department, Fetus, Pregnancy, Scorpion stings

A uniform approach to management of fetal growth restriction (FGR) improves outcome, prevents stillbirth, and allows appropriately timed delivery. An estimated fetal weight below the tenth percentile with coexisting abnormal umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), or cerebroplacental ratio Doppler index best identifies the small fetus requiring surveillance. Placental perfusion defects are more common earlier in gestation; accordingly, early-onset (≤32 weeks of gestation) and late-onset (>32 weeks) FGR differ in clinical phenotype. In early-onset FGR, progression of UA Doppler abnormality determines clinical acceleration, while abnormal ductus venosus (DV) Doppler precedes deterioration of biophysical variables and stillbirth. Accordingly, late DV Doppler changes, abnormal biophysical variables, or an abnormal cCTG require delivery. In late-onset FGR, MCA Doppler abnormalities precede deterioration and stillbirth. However, from 34 to 38 weeks, randomized evidence on optimal delivery timing is lacking. From 38 weeks onward, the balance of neonatal versus fetal risks favors delivery.

Aim To examine the predictive value of ultrasound parameters for antepartum non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) cases after late preterm. Methods Retrospective review of singleton FGR cases before 37 weeks gestation who delivered after 34 weeks gestation was performed. The association between ultrasound parameters that was assessed from 34 to 36 weeks gestation and the development of antepartum NRFS that was diagnosed by nonstress test and biophysical profile was analyzed by using multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results A total of 214 patients were included in final data analyses. Antepartum NRFS occurred in 23 cases (10.7%) including five cases of placental abruption. Lower standard deviation (SD) of estimated fetal weight (EFW), lower cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and the presence of oligohydramnios were independently associated with antepartum NRFS. The prevalence of antepartum NRFS was highest (50.4%) in the group of EFW ≤-2.5 SD with CPR ≤1.45. Conclusion Ultrasound parameters of lower SD of EFW, lower CPR and oligohydramnios were predictive for antepartum NRFS in FGR after late preterm.

Objective This guideline provides new recommendations pertaining to the application and documentation of fetal surveillance in the antepartum period that will decrease the incidence of birth asphyxia while maintaining the lowest possible rate of obstetrical intervention. Pregnancies with and without risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes are considered. This guideline presents an alternative classification system for antenatal fetal non-stress testing to what has been used previously. This guideline is intended for use by all health professionals who provide antepartum care in Canada. Options Consideration has been given to all methods of fetal surveillance currently available in Canada. Outcomes Short- and long-term outcomes that may indicate the presence of birth asphyxia were considered. The associated rates of operative and other labour interventions were also considered. Evidence A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials published between January 1996 and March 2007 was undertaken, and MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database were used to search the literature for all new studies on fetal surveillance antepartum. The level of evidence has been determined using the criteria and classifications of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). Sponsor This consensus guideline was jointly developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program (formerly the British Columbia Reproductive Care Program or BCRCP) and was partly supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program. Recommendation 1: Fetal Movement Counting 1.Daily monitoring of fetal movements starting at 26 to 32 weeks should be done in all pregnancies with risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome (I-A). 2.Healthy pregnant women without risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes should be made aware of the significance of fetal movements in the third trimester and asked to perform a fetal movement count if they perceive decreased movements (I-B). 3.Women who do not perceive six movements in an interval of two hours require further antenatal testing and should contact their caregivers or hospital as soon as possible (III-B). 4.Women who report decreased fetal movements ( •Non-stress test is normal and there are no risk factors: the woman should continue with daily fetal movement counting (III-B). •Non-stress test is normal and risk factors or clinical suspicion of intrauterine growth restriction intrauterine growth restriction/oligohydramnios is identified: an ultrasound for either full biophysical profile or amniotic fluid volume assessment within 24 hours. The woman should continue with daily fetal movement counting (III-B). •Non-stress test is atypical/abnormal: further testing (biophysical profile and/or contraction stress test and assessment of amniotic fluid volume) should be performed as soon as possible (III-B). Recommendation 2: Non-Stress Test 1.Antepartum non-stress testing may be considered when risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome are present (III-B). 2.In the presence of a normal non-stress test, usual fetal movement patterns, and absence of suspected oligohydramnios, it is not necessary to conduct a biophysical profile or contraction stress test (III-B). 3.A normal non-stress test should be classified and documented by an appropriately trained and designated individual as soon as possible, (ideally within 24 hours). For atypical or abnormal non-stress tests, the nurse should inform the attending physician (or primary care provider) at the time that the classification is apparent. An abnormal non-stress test should be viewed by the attending physician (or primary care provider) and documented immediately (III-B). Recommendation 3: Contraction Stress Test 1.The contraction stress test should be considered in the presence of an atypical non-stress test as a proxy for the adequacy of intrapartum uteroplacental function and, together with the clinical circumstances, will aid in decision making about timing and mode of delivery (III-B). 2.The contraction stress test should not be performed when vaginal delivery is contraindicated (III-B). 3.The contraction stress test should be performed in a setting where emergency Caesarean section is available (III-B). Recommendation 4: Biophysical Profile 1.In pregnancies at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome and where facilities and expertise exist, biophysical profile is recommended for evaluation of fetal well-being (I-A). 2.When an abnormal biophysical profile is obtained, the responsible physician or delegate should be informed immediately. Further management will be determined by the overall clinical situation (III-B). Recommendation 5: Uterine Artery Doppler Unlabelled tablePrevious obstetrical history •Previous early onset gestational hypertension •Placental abruption •Intrauterine growth restriction •Stillbirth Risk factors in current pregnancy •Pre-existing hypertension •Gestational hypertension •Pre-existing renal disease •Long-standing type I diabetes with vascular complications, nephropathy, retinopathy •Abnormal maternal serum screening (hCG or AFP > 2.0 MOM) •Low PAPP-A (consult provincial lab for norms) 1.Where facilities and expertise exist, uterine artery Doppler may be performed at the time of the 17 to 22 weeks' gestation detailed anatomical ultrasound scan in women with the following factors for adverse perinatal outcome (II-A). 2.Women with a positive uterine artery Doppler screen should have the following: •A double marker screen (for alpha-fetoprotein and beta hCG) if at or before 18 weeks' gestation (III-C). •A second uterine artery Doppler at 24 to 26 weeks. If the uterine artery Doppler is positive at the second scan, the woman should be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for management (III-C). Recommendation 6: Umbilical Artery Doppler 1.Umbilical artery Doppler should not be used as a screening tool in healthy pregnancies, as it has not been shown to be of value in this group (I-A). 2.Umbilical artery Doppler should be available for assessment of the fetal placental circulation in pregnant women with suspected placental pathology (I-A). Fetal umbilical artery Doppler assessment should be considered (1) at time of referral for suspected growth restriction, or (2) during follow-up for suspected placental pathology. 3.Depending on other clinical factors, reduced, absent, or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow is an indication for enhanced fetal surveillance or delivery. If delivery is delayed to improve fetal lung maturity with maternal administration of glucocorticoids, intensive fetal surveillance until delivery is suggested for those fetuses with reversed end-diastolic flow (II-1B).

Objective This guideline provides new recommendations pertaining to the application and documentation of fetal surveillance in the intrapartum period that will decrease the incidence of birth asphyxia while maintaining the lowest possible rate of obstetrical intervention. Pregnancies with and without risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes are considered. This guideline presents an alternative classification system for antenatal fetal non-stress testing and intrapartum electronic fetal surveillance to what has been used previously. This guideline is intended for use by all health professionals who provide intrapartum care in Canada. Options Consideration has been given to all methods of fetal surveillance currently available in Canada. Outcomes Short- and long-term outcomes that may indicate the presence of birth asphyxia were considered. The associated rates of operative and other labour interventions were also considered. Evidence A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials published between January 1996 and March 2007 was undertaken, and MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database were used to search the literature for all new studies on fetal surveillance antepartum. The level of evidence has been determined using the criteria and classifications of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). Sponsor This consensus guideline was jointly developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program (formerly the British Columbia Reproductive Care Program or BCRCP) and was partly supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program. Recommendation 1: Labour Support During Active Labour 1.Women in active labour should receive continuous close support from an appropriately trained person (I-A). Recommendation 2: Professional One-to One Care and Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance 1.Intensive fetal surveillance by intermittent auscultation or electronic fetal monitoring requires the continuous presence of nursing or midwifery staff. One-to-one care of the woman is recommended, recognizing that the nurse/midwife is really caring for two patients, the woman and her unborn baby (III-C). Recommendation 3: Intermittent Auscultation in Labour 1.Intrapartum fetal surveillance for healthy term women in spontaneous labour in the absence of risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome. Intermittent auscultation following an established protocol of surveillance and response is the recommended method of fetal surveillance; compared with electronic fetal monitoring, it has lower intervention rates without evidence of compromising neonatal outcome (I-B). 2.Epidural analgesia and intermittent auscultation. Intermittent auscultation may be used to monitor the fetus when epidural analgesia is used during labour, provided that a protocol is in place for frequent intermittent auscultation assessment (e.g.,every 5 minutes for 30 minutes after epidural initiation and after bolus top-ups as long as maternal vital signs are normal) (III-B). Recommendation 4: Admission Fetal Heart Test 1.Admission fetal heart tracings are not recommended for healthy women at term in labour in the absence of risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome, as there is no evident benefit (I-A). 2.Admission fetal heart tracings are recommended for women with risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome (III-B). Recommendation 5: Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance for Women With Risk Factors for Adverse Perinatal Outcome 1.Electronic fetal monitoring is recommended for pregnancies at risk of adverse perinatal outcome (II-A). 2.Normal electronic fetal monitoring tracings during the first stage of labour. When a normal tracing is identified, it may be appropriate to interrupt the electronic fetal monitoring tracing for up to 30 minutes to facilitate periods of ambulation, bathing, or position change, providing that (1) the maternal-fetal condition is stable and (2) if oxytocin is being administered, the infusion rate is not increased (III-B). Recommendation 6: Digital Fetal Scalp Stimulation 1.Digital fetal scalp stimulation is recommended in response to atypical electronic fetal heart tracings (II-B). 2.In the absence of a positive acceleratory response with digital fetal scalp stimulation, •Fetal scalp blood sampling is recommended when available (II-B). •If fetal scalp blood sampling is not available, consideration should be given to prompt delivery, depending upon the overall clinical situation (III-C). Recommendation 7: Fetal Scalp Blood Sampling 1.Where facilities and expertise exist, fetal scalp blood sampling for assessment of fetal acid–base status is recommended in women with "atypical/abnormal" fetal heart tracings at gestations > 34 weeks when delivery is not imminent, or if digital fetal scalp stimulation does not result in an acceleratory fetal heart rate response (III-C). Recommendation 8: Umbilical Cord Blood Gases 1.Ideally, cord blood sampling of both umbilical arterial and umbilical venous blood is recommended for ALL births, for quality assurance and improvement purposes. If only one sample is possible, it should preferably be arterial (III-B). 2.When risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome exist, or when intervention for fetal indications occurs, sampling of arterial and venous cord gases is strongly recommended (I-insufficient evidence. See Table 1). Recommendation 9: Fetal Pulse Oximetry 1.Fetal pulse oximetry, with or without electronic fetal surveillance, is not recommended for routine use at this time (III-C). Recommendation 10: ST Waveform Analysis 1.The use of ST waveform analysis for the intrapartum assessment of the compromised fetus is not recommended for routine use at this time (I-A). Recommendation 11: Intrapartum Fetal Scalp Lactate Testing 1.Intrapartum scalp lactate testing is not recommended for routine use at this time (III-C).

Objective The objective of this study is to determine whether ambient light serves as a fetal stimulus to decrease the amount of time needed to complete a biophysical profile. Study design This is a randomized controlled trial of singleton gestations undergoing a biophysical profile. Patients were randomized to either ambient light or a darkened room. The primary outcome was the time needed to complete the biophysical profile. Secondary outcomes included total and individual component biophysical profile scores and scores less than 8. A subgroup analysis of different maternal body mass indices was also performed. Results 357 biophysical profile studies were analyzed. 182 studies were performed with ambient light and 175 were performed in a darkened room. There was no difference in the median time needed to complete the biophysical profile based on exposure to ambient light (6.1 min in darkened room versus 6.6 min with ambient light; P = 0.73). No difference was found in total or individual component biophysical profile scores. Subgroup analysis by maternal body mass index did not demonstrate shorter study times with ambient light exposure in women who were normal weight, overweight or obese. Conclusion Ambient light exposure did not decrease the time needed to complete the biophysical profile. There was no evidence that ambient light altered fetal behavior observed during the biophysical profile.

To describe/analyse a novel, community-based prenatal monitoring protocol for opioid-exposed pregnancies developed by our centre in 2014 to optimize prenatal care for this population. A literature review of published monitoring protocols for this population is also presented.Retrospective comparison of pre-protocol (n = 215) and post-protocol (n = 251) cohorts. Medline and Embase were searched between 2000-2016 using MeSH terms: [fetal monitoring OR prenatal care] AND [opioid-related disorders OR substance-related disorders] in Medline and [fetal monitoring OR prenatal care] AND [opiate addiction OR substance abuse] in Embase, producing 518 results. Thirteen studies included protocols for monitoring opioid-exposed pregnancies. No comprehensive monitoring protocols with high-quality supporting evidence were found.We evaluated 466 opioid-exposed pregnancies, 215 before and 251 after introduction of the protocol. Since implementation, there was a significant increase in the number of opioid-exposed patients who have underwent urine drug screening (72.6% to 89.2%, P0.0001); a significant reduction in the number of urine drug screenings positive for illicit opioids (50.2% to 29.1%, P 0.0001); and a significant increase in the number of patients who discontinued illicit opioid use by the time of delivery (24.7% to 39.4%, P0.01). There was no difference in the CS rate (27.4% vs. 26.3%, P0.05). There were no observed differences in the rate of preterm birth, birth weight2500 g, or Apgar score7 (P0.05).Care of women with increased opioid use during pregnancy is an important but under-studied health issue. A novel protocol for focused antenatal care provision for women with opioid-exposed pregnancies improves standard of care and maternal/fetal outcomes.

There is increasing awareness that many stillbirths can be prevented; however, there is no single optimal antenatal monitoring modality that can reliably confirm fetal wellbeing. Early identification and appropriate monitoring when risk factors become evident, particularly in previously ‘low risk' pregnancies, is imperative. Tests of antenatal wellbeing are tools that aid a clinician's decision making regarding the need for and the timing of intervention and delivery. At pre-term gestations, the need for delivery at the appropriate time is particularly important as inappropriate or early delivery could expose the fetus unnecessarily to complications of prematurity. Here we review the current evidence and the limitations for widely used methods of antenatal monitoring including the use of fetal movements, symphysis-fundal height measurement, cardiotocography, biophysical profile and fetal Doppler assessment.

Objective A cesarean section (C-section) is performed to deliver a baby through the mother's abdomen. In recent years, the rate of incidences requiring a C-section is steadily increasing all over the world. Advanced maternal age, chronic health problems, multiple pregnancies as a result of the development of assisted reproductive technologies, and an insufficient supplementary health network can be considered as the reasons why mothers and obstetricians prefer a C-section. Our study aimed to identify the risk factors for the need of C-section in women with a history of vaginal delivery. Material and methods 238 multiparous women with a history of vaginal birth at 37-42 gestational weeks were enrolled in our study. 110 women had underwent C-section. Control group was chosen randomly from women giving birth by vaginal route. Results Overall, 238 multiparous women with a history of vaginal delivery at 37-42 gestational weeks were enrolled in our study. The history of operative delivery, that of labor induction and presence of meconium and the indication of admission to the delivery room were different between groups. A lower Bishop score and biophysical profile, smaller gestational period, and lower birth weight were associated with the group requiring a C-section, whereas older age and a long time interval from the previous birth were associated with the group not requiring a C-section. Conclusion A strategy involving either labor induction or not could be individualized for each patient to eliminate the risk factors for adverse outcomes. To identify criteria for the standardization of labor management, further studies are needed.

Background Monochorionic multifetal pregnancies are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome because of placental vascular anastomoses. We present a case of multicystic encephalomalacia and gastrointestinal injury in two surviving fetuses following single fetal death in first trimester and subsequent fetofetal transfusion syndrome in a monochorionic triplet pregnancy. Case presentation A 31-year-old nulliparous woman had a spontaneous monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy. Three live fetuses with single placenta were seen at 8-week ultrasound scan. One fetus demised at 11 weeks and 3 days of gestation. Dilated echogenic bowel and ascites were found in one surviving fetus at 23 weeks of gestation. At 28 weeks of gestation, the pregnancy was complicated by fetofetal transfusion syndrome in which discordant amniotic fluid volumes were found. Two days later, emergency Caesarean section was performed because of worsening of fetal Doppler and biophysical profile. One baby was found to have jejunal atresia requiring surgery at 4 days old. He had periventricular leukomalacia and intracranial haemorrhage, but subsequent normal neurological development. Another baby had gastric perforation requiring surgery at 2 days old. He was confirmed to have multicystic encephalomalacia by cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. He suffered from developmental delay, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Conclusion This case alerts the obstetricians the possible hypoxic-ischemic injury to the survivors of monochorionic triplet pregnancy after the co-triplet death in the first trimester and fetofetal transfusion syndrome. Antenatal assessment and postnatal follow-up are important for these high-risk multiple pregnancies.

Background: Early-onset fetal growth restriction represents a particular dilemma in clinical management balancing the risk of iatrogenic prematurity with waiting for the fetus to gain more maturity, while being exposed to the risk of intrauterine death or the sequelae of acidosis. Objective: The Trial of Umbilical and Fetal Flow in Europe was a European, multicenter, randomized trial aimed to determine according to which criteria delivery should be triggered in early fetal growth restriction. We present the key findings of the primary and secondary analyses. Study Design: Women with fetal abdominal circumference 95th percentile between 26-32 weeks were randomized to 1 of 3 monitoring and delivery protocols. These were: fetal heart rate variability based on computerized cardiotocography; and early or late ductus venosus Doppler changes. A safety net based on fetal heart rate abnormalities or umbilical Doppler changes mandated delivery irrespective of randomized group. The primary outcome was normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years. Results: Among 511 women randomized, 362/503 (72%) had associated hypertensive conditions. In all, 463/503 (92%) of fetuses survived and cerebral palsy occurred in 6/443 (1%) with known outcome. Among all women there was no difference in outcome based on randomized group; however, of survivors, significantly more fetuses randomized to the late ductus venosus group had a normal outcome (133/144; 95%) than those randomized to computerized cardiotocography alone (111/131; 85%). In 118/310 (38%) of babies delivered

Background: Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect with increasing incidence. Given the lack of surveillance guidelines among maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists, this study describes current practices in gastroschisis management. Materials and Methods: An online survey was administered to MFM specialists from institutions affiliated with the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet). Questions focused on surveillance timing, testing, findings that changed clinical management, and delivery plan. Results: Responses were obtained from 29/29 (100%) NAFTNet centers, comprising 143/371 (39%) providers. The majority had a regimen for antenatal surveillance in patients with stable gastroschisis (94%; 134/141). Antenatal testing began at 32 weeks for 68% (89/131) of MFM specialists. The nonstress test (55%; 72/129), biophysical profile (50%; 63/126), and amniotic fluid index (64%; 84/131) were used weekly. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was performed monthly by 79% (103/131) of providers. At 28 weeks, abnormal EFW (77%; 97/126) and Doppler ultrasound (78%; 99/127) most frequently altered management. In stable gastroschisis, 43% (60/140) of providers delivered at 37 weeks, and 29% (40/ 140) at 39 weeks. Discussion: Gastroschisis management differs among NAFTNet centers, although the majority initiate surveillance at 32 weeks. Timing of delivery still requires consensus. Prospective studies are necessary to further optimize practice guidelines and patient care.

Objectives The aim of this study is to determine if maternal administration of acetaminophen affects fetal activity and thereby the interpretation of clinical assessments of fetal well being. Study Design A longitudinal study was performed in 20 women between 30 and 34 weeks' gestation with uncomplicated pregnancies. A 1-hour ultrasound was performed and recorded to document baseline fetal breathing and body movements. All the subjects were then given a 1,000 mg dose of oral acetaminophen. One hour later, a second 1 hour ultrasound was performed to document postacetaminophen fetal breathing and body movements. The number of episodes and total duration of gross body and fetal breathing movements were then assessed by a blinded observer. The pre- and post-acetaminophen values were compared using a repeated measures t -test. Results There was no significant effect of acetaminophen on the number of episodes or time spent in fetal breathing or body movements when each activity parameter was analyzed separately. In addition, there was no effect when fetal breathing and body movements were combined into a single composite activity score. Conclusion Although acetaminophen has been shown to affect fetal activity in animal models, it has little effect on humans. Thus, maternal administration of acetaminophen should not affect assessment of fetal well being.

Hypoxia during pregnancy causes fetal distress. Evaluation of fetal heart rate and movement advised as the helpful tool for evaluation of fetal well being. Glucose intake before the assessment in case of decreased fetal movement was advised but there are some limitations to this approach especially in diabetic mothers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of glucose ingestion compared to water consumption on the fetal biophysical profile (BPP) parameters in pregnant woman. This study was a double blind randomized controlled trial which were divided into two groups (intervention and control, 47 women per group) and then evaluated. In the control group 200cc of water orally was administered and in intervention group 50 gram glucose diluted in 200 cc of water was administered. BPP score of all patients were taken at baseline and 30 minute after intervention. Paired t-test, McNemar’s, Wilcoxon and ANCOVA were used to analysis by SPSS 16. In the glucose group, mean BPP score before and after the intervention were 6.38 and 8.76, and in the water group were 4.85 and 8.85 respectively (p

We report a case of a 33 years primigravida who had regular antenatal check up and her pregnancy was uneventful till 30 weeks of pregnancy when she developed hypertension and her blood pressure was 150/90 mm of Hg. At that time urinary protein was trace and she was treated conservatively. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, her blood pressure raised to 160/105 mm of Hg along with mild proteinuria. Serum creatinine and uric acid levels were within normal range. Ultrasonography revealed 32 weeks pregnancy with fetal weight 1800 gm and AFI 7 cm. The patient was treated conservatively. At 36 weeks of pregnancy, the patient perceived less fetal movement and Biophysical profile was found 6. Emergency caesarean section was done. During operation, blood was found pinkish in colour and after keeping the placenta on kidney dish, milky fluid was accumulated around the placenta. Urgently lipid profile of the patient was done and the report revealed high Triglyceride (3012mg/dl) and cholesterol levels (348 mg/dl). The postoperative period was uneventful and she was treated with injection Heparin in the immediate postoperative period followed by low fat diet and lipid lowering agents.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(1) : 43-45

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism is rare in pregnancy. An association between primary hyperparathyroidism and preeclampsia has been reported in few cases worldwide.Case. A 28-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0, and abortus 1) in her 27th week of gestation was hospitalized due to a high reading of blood pressure (194/115 mmHg) that was not accompanied by any symptoms or signs of preeclampsia. Incidentally, she was found to have a high adjusted calcium and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level during admission. Ultrasonographic examination of the neck revealed the presence of parathyroid adenoma. She was scheduled for surgical excision after receiving an intravenous hydration. Fetal ultrasonography revealed a growth restricted fetus with normal biophysical profile. On the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient complained of headache and epigastric pain, with elevated BP and proteinuria. The fetal nonstress test was “nonreassuring.” Subsequently, she had an emergency cesarean delivery and surgical removal of the adenoma. The mother and her newborn were then transferred to intensive care, where their clinical course was unremarkable. The mother was discharged after 3 days, while the neonate stayed for close observation for 60 days.Conclusion. Early recognition of primary hyperparathyroidism among women with preeclampsia is important to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is an obstetrical challenge. It is defined as a passage of fetal blood into the maternal circulation orvice versa, which might complicate pregnancy or delivery. Most cases of acute and chronic FMH are idiopathic in origin and involve uncomplicated near-term pregnancies. Yet, due to the lack of universal screening, heterogeneous clinical presentation and insufficient clinicians awareness, in some cases FMH may present as immediate fetal compromise or even stillbirth as the most devastating consequence. We made a review of the literature of the FMH clinical cases of fetal/neonatal death in order to focus on the available diagnostic tools and their limitations. Cardiotocography, biophysical profile, middle cerebral artery peak systolic volume and current laboratory tests were studied and evaluated as diagnostic tools for FMH. International guidelines are needed to help clinicians make a prompt identification of FMH. Moreover, a standardized management protocol is essential in order to improve fetal-neonatal outcomes.

IntroductionMyoma is the most common benign tumor of the female genital tract. The incidence of myoma increases with age. It mostly presents in the fifth decade of life. Since myoma is often asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed, the true prevalence is unknown. This tumor may also become symptomatic and affect women’s quality of life. This study was performed to report a rare case of vaginal myomectomy in post-partum severe hemorrhage caused by a submucosal myoma.Case ReportA 39-year-old G2P1 woman with previous cesarean section and decreased fetal movement at 38th week of gestation was hospitalized. In sonography and biophysical profile, due to fetal compromised, pregnancy was terminated. After delivery of fetus, a submucosal myoma (12 × 12 cm) was protruded through cervical canal. Massive hemorrhage occurred and then vaginal myomectomy was done and the bed of myoma was packed with two long gauzes that removed after one day.ConclusionsVaginal myomectomy after natural vaginal delivery or possibly during cesarean section is a safe and reliable method to remove submucosal myomas especially large myomas and decrease the risk of complications and costs of re-surgery. Due to the increased risk of hemorrhage, it is better to conduct this surgery in third-level referral hospitals.

Objective To review the management and outcome of pregnancies of women presenting to obstetrical triage with decreased fetal movements (DFM). Study Design A retrospective review of women presenting with DFMs to two large Canadian obstetrical centres with a combined 9490 deliveries per year. The charts were reviewed for compliance with the Canadian guidelines for demographics (age, parity, GA, comorbidities, etc.), pregnancy management (admission vs. discharge, need to deliver), and pregnancy outcomes (mortality, morbidity, GA at delivery, Apgar scores, etc.). Patients who did not comply with the Canadian guidelines (requiring the patient to count six movements within two hours) were not excluded. Results The charts of 579 patients who self-reported DFMs between January 2012 and December 2012 were reviewed. The distribution of ages was between 18 and 47 year old. The majority of these patients had no comorbidities (454/579). A significant minority of patients had FM in the triage area (231/579). The Canadian guidelines were interpreted differently in the two centres. In one (level 3), the protocol was to have a biophysical profile (BPP) on all patients prior to discharge, whereas in the other (level 2), only patients with a non-reactive non-stress test (NST) and/or oligohydramnios or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) underwent a BPP. All patients had an evaluation by an RN and MD and had a NST on arrival. A combination of NST and BPP was performed on 235/579. The frequency of DFM was 6.1% (level 3 centre: 5.6%, level 2 centre: 7.8%). There were 8 stillbirths on arrival. The 187 patients who had a reactive NST and a normal BPP and were sent home did not have a single stillbirth within 2 weeks. In the level 3 centre, 19 patients were sent home without a BPP and one had a stillbirth within 2 days (5%); in the level 2 hospital, there was only one stillbirth among the NST-only group (0.35%). There were 65 admissions; 46 of them (71%) were delivered, and 50% of them had a Caesarean delivery (baseline around 30%). Conclusions This is the first study looking at the performance of the Canadian guidelines of 2007. We found that the DFM rate was compatible with the literature (6.1% vs. 5%). The frequency of stillbirth on arrival was 1.4% (8/579). Patients discharged after normal NST and BPP did extremely well (no stillbirths), whereas those admitted following DFM had a relatively high Caesarean delivery rate (50%). This study was not designed to address changes in stillbirth rate, but it outlines the patients who experience DFM and their eventual outcomes.

Objective To investigate the relationship between gestational complications and high levels of maternal serum alfa-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and/or beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and to determine whether these markers are effective predictors of poor pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods In this study, we enrolled a total of 679 women at 15-20 gestational weeks with MSAFP and hCG below or above 2.0 multiples of the median (MoM); of those, 200 women with normal MSAFP and hCG MoM formed the control group. Pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preterm labor, preterm delivery, placental abruption, placenta previa, placenta accreta, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), intrauterine fetal death, as well as neonatal and perinatal morbidity rates were evaluated. Results A significant relationship was found between adverse pregnancy outcomes and abnormal elevation of hCG and AFP levels in the second trimester. In cases of isolated elevation of hCG, preeclampsia and preterm labor/spontaneous preterm birth rate were slightly higher than in the control group (p=0.043, p=0.015), while IUGR, PPROM, placental abruption, and intrauterine fetal death rates were all similar (p=0.063, p=0.318, p=1.00, p=0.556). In case having an elevation in both markers, increased rate of obstetric complications have been observed. A significant relationship was found between the high levels of maternal serum AFP and hCG MoM and poor pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia, IUGR, PPROM, intrauterine fetal death (p=0.003, p=0.001, p=0.040, p=0.006). Conclusion To our knowledge, up to now, no definitive follow-up and treatment protocols have been established for patients at increased risk. In light of these findings, it is recommended to inform and educate patients about the most likely signs and symptoms of complications, to make more often antenatal visits, to perform more frequent ultrasound examination (fetal growth, AFI, etc.), NST, arterial/venous doppler, biophysical profile, and cervical length measurements in high-risk group.

Objective: This study aims to compare outcomes of antenatal testing in women who received testing between 40 weeks and 40+6 weeks versus those who received testing at ≥41 weeks. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included women without maternal comorbidities, who were referred for outpatient antenatal testing for gestational age ≥40 weeks. We compared women who received antenatal testing between 40 and 40+6 weeks (Group 1), to those who were only tested at ≥41 weeks (Group 2). Results: A total of 827 Group 1 and 244 Group 2 pregnancies were evaluated. One-hundred and eighty-nine (18%) were sent to labor and delivery (L&D) for further evaluation. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of being sent or admitted to labor and delivery, the reason for which women were sent, induction of labor, mode of delivery, neonatal length of stay, or admission to intensive care. Conclusion: Pregnancies tested at 40 weeks were identified as abnormal and sent to L&D at the same rate as those tested at 41 weeks. Therefore, it may be reasonable to initiate fetal surveillance at the estimated date of delivery.

During early gestation, drugs have teratogenic effects and can be associated with structural anomalies in the fetus. Substance abuse can have physiologic effects on the mother and fetus, including decreased uterine blood flow, increased vascular resistance, and an increase in fetal blood pressure. Women with increased risk for stillbirth should undergo antepartum fetal surveillance using a nonstress test (NST), contraction stress test, biophysical profile (BPP), or modified BPP. Initiating antepartum fetal testing at 32 weeks of gestation is appropriate for most pregnancies at an increased risk of stillbirth. Because of the high incidence of low birth weight, fetal anomalies, preterm delivery, and growth restriction, obtaining an ultrasonogram for appropriate pregnancy dating, a detailed anatomic survey, and cervical length at 20 weeks of gestation is recommended. In patients who are abusing stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine, fetal growth should be closely followed every 3 to 4 weeks and, owing to the generalized vasoconstriction that these patients develop, antenatal testing should be started routinely at 32 weeks with twice-weekly NSTs and a once-weekly modified BPP.

Delivery of a healthy full term baby following an uneventful antenatal period occurs in the majority of pregnancies. These are classified as a low-risk pregnancy group. There are, however, some pregnancies that are complicated due to maternal or fetal disease that can increase the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This is classified as a high-risk group. The aim of fetal surveillance is to identify these threatened fetuses with the prospect of altering the timing of delivery to prevent the worst outcome, stillbirth. This article looks at the tools available to assess antenatal fetal health in all pregnancies and their ability to identify the at-risk pregnancies that require extra surveillance to improve outcomes. This article does not address fetal surveillance during labour.

Objective: To provide a snapshot of the current trends in managing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to assess the agreement on the gestational age and the way of delivery in different clinical scenarios. Methods: A PubMed search was performed to identify all original articles on IUGR in the last 6 years. The most active 20 authors were selected as experts and were invited to respond to a survey on their preferred gestational age for elective delivery in several IUGR cases depending on Doppler measurements (including umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio, uterine artery and ductus venosus), biophysical profile and cardiotocography. Results: 15 of the 20 selected experts agreed to participate in the survey, of which 3 failed to meet the deadline to complete the survey. Management of IUGR was relatively uniform for abnormal UA, uterine artery or cerebroplacental ratio. Although average gestational age at delivery reflected a clear progression with accepted markers of severity, discrepancies of up to 4 weeks were found for abnormal middle cerebral artery Doppler and absent end-diastolic velocity in the UA, and of up to 8 weeks for reverse end-diastolic velocity in the UA and abnormalities in the ductus venosus Doppler. Conclusions: Management of IUGR is still far from being uniform among centers, with most controversy surrounding the management of early-onset IUGR. There is a need of prospective studies to address this issue.

In a fetus with suspected heterotaxy syndrome, a decreased/absent baseline variability of fetal heart rate pattern developed at gestational week 36(+5) and continued for 5 days until birth at gestational week 37(+2), while repeat biophysical profile scorings with ultrasound were consistently unremarkable. This neonate weighing 2404 g with Apgar scores of 7 (1-min) and 8 (5-min) and umbilical arterial cord blood pH of 7.28 with base deficit of 3.9 mmol/L, showed a heart rate of 120 b.p.m. for 3 h after birth, but subsequently developed sinus bradycardia (84 b.p.m.) unresponsive to crying. Isoproterenol initiated 9 h after birth was effective in the increase of heart rate to 120 b.p.m. in this neonate. Brain magnetic resonance imaging at 16 days of age was unremarkable. The decreased/absent baseline variability of fetal heart rate pattern was speculated to have been caused by sinus node dysfunction, and not by reduced fetal oxygenation in this case.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a rare disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels and early cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment with statins and other hypolipidemic agents are effective in heterozygous patients. Low-density lipoprotein apheresis and liver transplantation are treatment options in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. We report a case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman with familial hypercholesterolemia who presented with breathlessness and swelling in the joints. She had been taking statins previously, which were stopped and she had been put on low-lipid and low-residue diet to reduce the risk of acute coronary event and sudden intrauterine death. She was found to have dilated cardiomyopathy with 25% ejection fraction. At 36 weeks of gestation, we carried out cesarean section in view of poor biophysical profile. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a very rare disorder with only a few cases reported in the published work during pregnancy. Statins are contraindicated during pregnancy and diet modification remains the mainstay of therapy.

To compare the outcome following labor induction at 41 + 1 weeks of gestation and after expectant management and selective induction at 42 completed weeks.A retrospective analysis of post-term pregnancies in a 2-year period. In the induction group, women at 41 + 1 weeks of gestation received 3 mg prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) in the posterior fornix, repeating the dose 6 h later. Women with a Bishop score6 had artificial rupture of the membranes. In the expectant management group, women at more than 41 weeks gestation were checked every 2 days in the hospital. In case of abnormalities either in the fetal heart rate evaluation or in the biophysical profile, labor was induced. Labor was also induced in all cases that pregnancy exceeded 42 + 1 gestational weeks.A total of 438 women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. In all, 211 comprised the induction group, while the expectant management group consisted of 227 women. The cesarean delivery rate in the induction group was 36.5% compared to 34.4% in the expectant management group, whereas the operative vaginal delivery rate was 11.4 and 9.2% in the two groups, respectively. The vast majority of women in the expectant management group (74%) had a spontaneous onset of labor.The perinatal outcome does not differ following a policy of routine labor induction in comparison to expectant management in pregnancies beyond 41 weeks.

Aim To study the nature and clinical outcome of pregnancies with obstetric cholestasis on active management and to correlate perinatal outcome to gestational age at delivery. Material and Methods This prospective randomized study included 69 women with obstetric cholestasis. Fetal surveillance began at 34 weeks or later at diagnosis and included daily maternal record of fetal movements, and biophysical profile (i.e. non stress test, the four quadrant amniotic fluid index). Fetal monitoring was conducted weekly before 36 weeks and biweekly after that. Randomization into two groups was done where one group was planned for delivery at 37 weeks whereas in the other group, pregnancy was carried to 38 weeks under surveillance. The primary outcome variable was correlation of fetal and neonatal complication rates to gestational age at delivery. Results There were no stillbirths in the study. No episode of fetal asphyxia or bradycardia was observed. The overall rate of meconium passage was 7.46% (5/67). However, there was no case of meconium aspiration syndrome. Women delivering at or after 38 weeks had a lower incidence of cesarean section (17.85% vs 25.8%), neonatal nursery admission (17.85% vs 22.5%), and neonatal jaundice (17.85% vs 19.35%) compared to those delivering at 37 weeks. The differences between the two groups were, however, not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The current study demonstrates that with active intervention, pregnancies with obstetric cholestasis can be carried to a later gestation under surveillance.

Recognition that use and abuse of substances by pregnant patients perpetuates, despite ongoing efforts to educate the public, necessitates clinicians to integrate understanding of potential effects on antepartum and intrapartum fetal testing into their interpretation and implementation of clinical findings. This includes acknowledging some anticipated alterations in results and selecting the appropriate type and frequency of testing methods and interventions. Certain substances are well documented in terms of expected variations in test results; others are not as clearly defined. An overview of information that may be helpful to the clinician is presented to promote understanding of fetal evaluation performed through common tests such as contraction stress test, the nonstress test, the biophysical profile, the modified biophysical profile, fetal movement counting, and Doppler velocimetry. What evidence is available should be used to assist in defining the actual status of the fetus as best as possible, even when the effects of substances may be unknown or have obscure results.

introducción: el diagnóstico de corioamnionitis se basa en criterios clínicos que no alcanzan una sensibilidad mayor al 60%, y que tienen poca utilidad para predecir el compromiso fetal. El ultrasonido surge como una alternativa útil en el diagnóstico. Al mejorar el diagnóstico con la búsqueda de marcadores ecográficos de infección fetal podemos impactar en la morbimortalidad perinatal al poder intervenir de forma temprana a las gestan-tes en riesgo de compromiso fetal, especialmente corioamnionitis con curso subclínico. El objetivo de esta revisión es conocer la evidencia que so-porta la asociación entre los hallazgos ecográficos del ultrasonido y la presencia de corioamnionitis e infección fetal in utero.Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión de la literatura existente en las bases de datos medline, ovid, ebsco, ProQuest, lilacs, SciELO desde enero de 1985 hasta octubre de 2012. Se incluyeron los artículos de revisión e investigaciones originales. resultados: en las gestantes con parto pretér-mino y ruptura prematura de membranas ovulares el acortamiento cervical, la presencia de “sludge”, el oligohidramnios y la involución del timo son los marcadores que han mostrado mayor asociación con infección amniótica. conclusiones: el ultrasonido es una herramienta por considerar en el diagnóstico de infección materna y fetal in útero. introduction:A diagnosis of chorioamnionitis is based on clinical criteria which only manage 60% sensitivity and have little usefulness in predicting fetal compromise. Ultrasound emerges as a useful diagnostic alternative. An impact might be made on perinatal morbimortality by improving diagnosis through thesearch for echographic markers of fetal infection, thereby enabling early intervention in pregnant women at risk of fetal compromise, especially regarding subclinical chorioamnionitis. This review was aimed at providing evidence supporting an association between ultrasound’s echographic findings and the presence of chorioamnionitis inin utero(congenital) fetal infection.Materials and methods:A review of the existing literature was made in m edline, ov id, ebsco, ProQuest, lilacs and scielo databases from January 1985 to October 2012. Original research and review articles were included.results:Cervical length shortening, the presence of sludge, oligohydramnios and thymus involution are the markers which have been shown to have the greatest association with intra-amniotic infection. conclusions:Ultrasound is a tool to be considered when diagnosingin uteromaternal and fetal infection.

The main goals of fetal surveillance are to avoid fetal death and to recognize the fetus that will benefit from early intervention with resuscitation or delivery. Surveillance can occur in the antepartum or intrapartum period. Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is the most common form of surveillance in the intrapartum period. Several techniques are used in the antepartum period, including nonstress test, biophysical profile, and contraction stress test. Multiple techniques are used once distress is noted in the fetus, with the ultimate resuscitation effort being delivery.

The key determinant to a fetus maintaining its health is through adequate perfusion and oxygen transfer mediated by the functioning placenta. When this equilibrium is distorted, a number of physiological changes including reduced fetal growth occur to favour survival. Technologies have been developed to monitor these changes with a view to prolong intrauterine maturity whilst reducing the risks of stillbirth. Many of these strategies involve complex interpretation, for example Doppler ultrasound for fetal blood flow and computerisedcomputerized analysis of fetal heart rate changes. However, even with these modalities of fetal assessment to determine the optimal timing of delivery, fetal movements remain integral to clinical decision making. In high risk cohorts with fetal growth restriction, the manifestation of a reduction in perceived movements may warrant an expedited delivery. Despite this, there remains has been little evolution in the development of technologies to objectively define evaluate normal fetal movement behavior for behavior, and where there has, there has been no linkage to clinical useapplication. In tThis review we is an attempt to understand synthesize currently available literature on the value of fetal movement analysis as a method of assessing fetal wellbeing, and show how interdisciplinary developments in this area may aid in improvements to clinical outcomes.

Objective To assess the association between pre-eclampsia severity and biochemical and ultrasonography markers. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken of women with severe pre-eclampsia (group 1, n=90), mild pre-eclampsia (group 2, n=90), or a normal pregnancy (group 3, n=90) who attended a hospital in Egypt in October 2013–April 2015. Associations between pre-eclampsia and biochemical, cardiotocography, and ultrasonography markers were investigated. Results There were significant differences between the groups in C-reactive protein (331.44±112.38, 251.43±59.05, and 23.81±16.19 nmol/L; P≤0.05 for all), platelet count (113.40±36.72, 172.93±57.60, and 212.68±70.00×109/L; P≤0.05 for group 1 comparisons), alanine transaminase (52.24±14.83, 38.34±13.12, and 23.11±6.92 U/L; P≤0.05 for group 1 comparisons), and serum uric acid (600.80±117.19, 481.83±118.97, and 243.89±53.54 μmol/L; P=0.050 for group 3 comparisons). Cardiotocography score was worse among women with severe pre-eclampsia than among those in the other two groups (P=0.039 for both comparisons). Biophysical profile score and umbilical artery resistance index differed by group (P≤0.05 for all). Middle cerebral artery resistance index was lower among women with severe pre-eclampsia (P≤0.05). Conclusion The levels of C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, and alanine transaminase, and the platelet count were linked with the presence and severity of pre-eclampsia.

Background The birth prevalence of gastroschisis is increasing worldwide, yet little evidence exists concerning the optimal monitoring strategies after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe the UK prevalence, antenatal management and outcomes of affected pregnancies. Methods Cases were identified throughout the UK between October 2006 and September 2007, using three different sources. Results The overall birth prevalence of gastroschisis was 4.2 cases per 10 000 total births (95%CI 3.6–4.8). Infants were variably monitored with growth scans (90%), umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound (85%), cardiotocography (65%) and biophysical profile (27%). Bowel measurements were undertaken for only 113 infants (52%). Eighty-nine women (43%) were induced and 63 (31%) laboured spontaneously. Eleven women (5%) had an elective caesarean delivery where the sole indication was fetal gastroschisis. Conclusions The variability in management and paucity of evidence on antenatal monitoring approaches suggests there may be a place for randomised trials of fetal surveillance strategies in order to develop the evidence to improve outcomes for the at-risk fetus with gastroschisis. This study suggests that case ascertainment by regional congenital anomaly registers is high; extension of the coverage of these registers to the entire cohort of UK births would facilitate ongoing surveillance and research. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective: Our primary objective was to determine whether vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) decreases time to fetal reactivity in the antenatal testing unit (ATU) of a tertiary care center. Methods: We performed a prospective, quality assurance initiative to determine whether VAS could increase the efficiency of our ATU. On pre-specified “VAS days,” VAS was applied for 3 s, if the non-stress test was non-reactive in the first 10 min. Generalized estimating equations models were used to account for within subject correlation due to multiple appointments per patient. Results: VAS use was associated with a 3.76-min reduction in time to reactivity (21.79 vs 25.55, p = 0.011) and a 56% reduction in the need for a biophysical profile (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.90). Overall, however, we found no significant decrease in time spent on the monitor or in the ATU. Conclusion: Compliance with a strict VAS protocol may improve the efficiency of increasingly busy ATUs.